Instructions
Place the coop where it will receive lots of natural sunlight. Hens need regular exposure to sunlight in order to lay eggs consistently. Also, placing your backyard chicken coop where it is in a position to receive the sun's natural rays may prevent you from having to use an electrical lamp in the coop for light and warmth. This can save you money and time. Of course, if you live in an area that receives little sunlight for all or part of the year, then you may still need to use a lamp. But, you can minimize its use if you place the coop properly.
Keep your chickens away from predators. You can do this by making sure the coop closes securely, and locating it close enough to the main house that you can easily keep watch for animals that prey on chickens. Avoid placing food items, garbage, or anything else near the coop that could draw the attention of other animals.
Place your backyard chicken coop near a source of shade. This is particularly important if you live in an area that gets very hot for all or part of the year. If you live in a rainy area, placing your coop near shade trees can also help avoid excessive wear to the structure as a result of the rain.
Shield the coop from the wind. While fresh air is important for the health of your chickens and the cleanliness of the coop, you should avoid exposing your chickens to frequent, strong gusts of wind. If you live in a windy area, you should place the coop strategically so that buildings or trees bear the brunt of any excessive wind.
Finally, pay attention to any water or drainage issues on your property. If you live in an area with a high water table, or if water tends to pool in a specific area of your property, be sure to build your backyard chicken coop away from these areas. If you fail to do so, you could be dealing with a messy, flooded chicken coop.
How to Choose a Site for a Backyard Chicken Coop
Deciding where to position your backyard chicken coop can make or break your success with egg laying chickens. Of course, you'll want to maximize the number of eggs your chickens produce. You should consider your chickens a long term investment, and thus plan accordingly. Here's what you need to know about deciding where to put your backyard chicken coop.